change

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (NIV) Psalms 100:5

When everything around me is shifting and changing. . .when people’s actions and character seem to be changing . . . when it seems that no one’s word is good. . . when those I could always depend upon let me down. . . there is one unchanging fact – I am assured that God does not change. His love for me never changes. . . His nature is unchanging throughout eternity. Therefore, I can depend on Him and not be disappointed.

God’s Word never changes. His promises to me are reliable. When it seems like God is acting contrary to His nature I go back to the Bible and see the Truth about His nature and His promises.

Are you trusting more in your own efforts than in God’s faithfulness? How are you looking at circumstances and believing that they are “true” rather than in God’s promises? Do you really believe that God will be faithful to you? or do I think that God is like other people, saying one thing, but not really meaning it? What promises has God given you from His Word that He wants you to claim today?

Remember, when all of life seems to be changing, God’s faithfulness to you remains true!

Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (NIV) Esther 2:17

God is on the move in mysterious ways in Persia. He is sovereign. He is working behind the scenes. He is rearranging events and changing minds until His perfect plan is in place.

After the Queen Vashti disobeyed King Xerxes, she is removed from her position of queen. Four years later, the king holds a huge beauty contest to find his next queen. None of the previous candidates attracted the king sufficiently for him to make one his wife. But, after seeing Esther the king had no desire to continue his search for a queen. “The king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:17).

The king holds a huge banquet and proclaims a holiday throughout his kingdom to honor Esther. He releases the people from their work to celebrate. In addition, Xerxes distributes “gifts” liberally, as would befit such a powerful monarch.

A lesson we learn from Esther is to cultivate character no matter where you are!

If you are in a bad marriage, cultivate character!

If you are in a difficult job environment, cultivate character!

If you are in a social environment that degrades Christians, cultivate character!

If you are in a church that is sliding away from the Bible, cultivate character!

If you are in a neighborhood where you are isolated because of your faith, cultivate character!

If you are in a situation where there is jealousy and back-biting and competition, cultivate character!

No matter what your circumstance may be, cultivate Christ-like character. Be authentic. Live from the inside out. And no matter how silent or invisible God may seem, trust Him. He is always at work. His Kingdom purposes always prevail!

Think about it. How are you cultivating character? What is the biggest hindrance to cultivating character?